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"When we’re walking or running, the main power and movement comes from muscles in our legs, but it’s the four layers of muscle in our feet that provide vital stability and keep us upright. Improving foot strength means every step is a more stable one, which can have a positive effect up the skeletal chain to the lower leg and buttocks — so you have the potential to get far more out of your workout," says podiatrist Emma Supple.

Emma Supple

Good feet can also have a dramatic effect on your posture and gait, she adds. "When you have weak feet, they tend to collapse down every time you take a step and fall inwards because there’s no arch integrity. That can cause a slump in posture — people with weak foot muscles will often slouch forwards rather than stand up straight."